NEATH and Pontypridd are set to lock horns twice this Saturday – on the rugby field and in the stands of the Millennium Stadium.

While the two rugby sides clash in the Konica Minolta Cup final, the two sets or supporters have been challenged to out-sing each other.

Both claim their rich musical heritage makes them clear favourites to be the loudest at the end-of-season showpiece.

Rachel Gardiner, who handles the Welsh All Blacks’ marketing and PR, said: “Pontypridd and Neath are very similar towns.

“Ponty has Tom Jones, Neath has Katherine Jenkins, both are eight miles from a major city, and both have rugby teams at the heart of the community.

“What serves both teams so well are their passionate supporters, which is why rugby website Rucked started the debate last month as to who had the larger volume of supporters, Neath or Ponty!”

To crank up support ahead of the big day, head coach Rowland Phillips and members of the Neath squad have been visiting local schools to promote the game and speak to youngsters keen to support the Blacks in the final.

Neath businesses have also decorated their shop fronts to ensure the whole town gets behind the boys in black.

Neath go into the tie as underdogs after losing to the Valley Commandoes twice in the premiership this season.

Two years ago, when both sides met in the same final, a last gasp drop goal from Pontypridd Dai Flanagan sealed the victory for the boys in red.

Tickets and commemorative final t-shirts are available at 13 Old Market Street or via www.welshallblackssportsshop.co.uk